Photo Credit: NHL.com
Owen Tippett came to Philadelphia with some unknowns. One thing that has remained constant is his talent. Sometimes it takes prospects longer to bloom, and this was the case for a former first round pick. In some cases it’s tough getting selected in the first round, players are supposed to produce and produce right away in some cases, as opposed to a second round pick, etc., etc. where prospects are giving more leniency to succeed.
This was the case for Tippett. He came to Philadelphia after so-so years in Florida, where he was seen as a reclamation project in the Claude Giroux deal. He hasn’t looked back since, rather Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella has unlocked some of his talent. For his efforts, he will be here for the next eight years, as he recently just signed for $6.2 million AAV, “To be a part of the group here. It’s pretty special to be here in Philly,” Tippett said
“With the fanbase we have you can see how exciting it is what we have going. There’s a lot of moving parts to it, but coming down to it this is where I want to be. This is home now.” – Owen Tippett
Good for Tippett for bringing size, speed, and a nasty wrist shot into the fold. Tippett’s confidence is finally paying dividends for the orange and black, now it’s time for the Ginger to reap some of the benefits after netting his first career hat trick:
“I think getting traded here last year just gave me a new opportunity and a fresh start. It’s been great so far, and I love playing in Philly.” – Owen Tippett said during the 2022-23 season
One Flyer who’s game has grown the most from a new change of scenery, and under John Tortorella is Owen Tippett. Even so much so, he has netted a career high in points and goals with 49 points and 27 goals. One can sense he is infused with confidence, and some can see the potential that made him a first round pick in the first place.
It appears he has been Reborn in Philadelphia. The definition of “Reborn” is “Brought back to life or activity,” according to the Oxford Dictionary. In this case, he has a new lease on life after excelling here in Philadelphia, after his rocky start to his NHL career with the Florida Panthers.
It’s great to see Tippett finding his groove in the NHL. He’s always had the talent, now he has the tools. Tippett proved it with netting 20+ goals for the first time in his career.
“Tipp has a lot to learn still, but the improvement from where he was in camp – for me when I was first introduced to him and met him – to where he is now mentally, I think he’s made tremendous strides.” – John Tortorella
Torts has unlocked Tippett’s skill
The one part of Tippett’s game that has grown the most are his defensive skills. Maybe this is due to confidence, or it might be the John Tortorella effect, regardless it’s great to see him taking that next step in his game. Tortorella wants to see Tippett grow, so he is utilizing him in every situation, to include the Penalty Kill.
He just needed confidence, and the Flyers are trusting him. That goes a long way when building confidence, for a player that needed a fresh change of scenery.
If he hits the net more, I think you see more goals,” John Tortorella said. “He steps on the ice, he’s dangerous. I think he thinks he’s a good player. I was just telling the coaches – we know he’s a good player, more importantly I think he thinks he’s a good player and he’s kind of letting it go.”
Tippett falls into the category of having drive. He has looked fresh and confident since coming back from his injury. It’s amazing what a good coach and confidence can do for a player. Tippett finally looks like the player the Florida Panthers drafted in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft. He was getting prime scoring chances once he was traded to Philly following the trade deadline last season. Now he’s cashing in on those opportunities. The talent has always been there, but his confidence at times lacked. Let’s look at what his confidence had done for him lately:
If Tippett continues to improve his game like Tortorella wants him too. Very dangerous player, and a player that you build around during the rebuild like the Flyers are in. He needs to hit the net more, and Tippett needs to take the puck to the net more often. Tippett has a good release, so he tends to feed off his wrist shot, but he could score maybe five to 10 more goals if he took the puck to the net more.
Hopefully, his recent success continues and he is able keep up his confidence. Tortorella has said over and over that the team is in need of goal scoring, well Tippett is providing in this area. The young 24-year-old in Tippett stands at 6’1 and weighs 207 pounds. He likes to throw his weight around at times, has excellent speed, and really possesses an excellent wrist/snap shot.
